Beef production from nitrogen fertilized pangola grass (Digitaria decumbens) on the coastal lowlands of southern Queensland

Abstract

Animal production from pangola grass (Digitaria decumbens) fertilized with 400 and 800 lb nitrogen an acre a year was measured over a two-year period 1965-1967. The nitrogen was applied as calcium ammonium nitrate (20.5 per cent N) in split applications. These were 27.5 per cent of the total in September, December, and February, and 17.5 per cent in April. The experiment was grazed with yearling Hereford heifers on a 'put and take' system at a mean stocking rate of three beasts an acre. A mean annual production of 1139 and 1215 lb an acre was obtained from 400 and 800 lb N applications respectively. Although there was 20-30 per cent greater dry matter production containing approximately 3.5 per cent more crude protein from the higher nitrogen application for most periods of the year, this had little effect on total animal production. The highest rates of liveweight gain were recorded in the period September-December, coincident with the highest crude protein and phosphate levels in plant material. Liveweight losses occurred in winter but were reduced by 50 per cent under the higher rate of nitrogen application. The results of this experiment clearly demonstrate that high levels of animal production can be obtained from pangola grass in a subtropical environment with adequate nitrogen fertilizer, even though marked seasonal differences in growth rate of the grass occur.